Vimeo is dead, or at least in an advanced dying process. Searching Vimeo is now limited to video content within your own Video Library. Channels, Groups, Categories, and other curated video collections, including Staff Picks, are no longer accessible in the EU and UK. Read Vimeo’s new and updated terms below.

Vimeo’s ‘Staff Pick’ is dead

Although this is relevant (for now) to the EU and the UK, it’s a matter of time till it spreads to more territories. It’s hard to believe that the legendary ‘Staff Pick’ is no longer accessible. This feature was the base jump for many indie filmmakers in the first years of their freelance careers. ‘Staff Pick’ was a stamp for prestige film festivals that your work counts. Well, no ‘Staff Pick’ for you anymore! That would be the end of this great platform. Vimeo wrote their new terms titled ‘Changes to Vimeo.com in the EU and UK‘. Read it (as-is) below:

Changes to Vimeo.com in the EU and UK

Vimeo is introducing changes to the viewing experience for users accessing vimeo.com in the European Union and the United Kingdom. These changes are designed to align our platform with the evolving regulatory landscape for online platforms in these regions while ensuring Vimeo remains a sustainable and ad-free space for creators and viewers. To help navigate these updates, Vimeo compiled answers to some frequently asked questions.

• Q: Why is Vimeo making changes to its platform in the EU and UK?
• A: Vimeo’s changes are a response to a variety of regulations targeting online platforms. These rules present unique challenges for Vimeo ad-free business model, which relies on subscription revenue rather than advertising. While platforms like YouTube may handle regulatory costs differently due to their ad-supported models, Vimeo is committed to maintaining a high-quality, ad-free user experience. To adapt, Vimeo had to make difficult decisions about certain features in these regions. Despite these adjustments, Vimeo commitment to supporting creators and fostering a thriving filmmaking community remains strong.

• Q: What specific features are impacted by these changes?
• A: Vimeo no longer organizes or promotes individual user-uploaded videos on Vimeo.com in the EU or UK. As a result, certain features available in our Free plans are no longer available on Vimeo.com in the EU and UK:
  • Searching Vimeo is now limited to video content within your own Video Library.
  • Channels, Groups, Categories, and other curated video collections, including Staff Picks, are no longer accessible.
  • My Feed is no longer accessible.
  • For Hire is no longer accessible.
  • Although some features are no longer accessible in these regions, you continue to retain full ownership and control of your content. You can still share and embed videos on your websites and social networks.

• Q: How will these changes affect users in other regions?
• A: These changes only affect users accessing Vimeo.com in the EU and UK. All features remain fully functional for users in other regions.

• A: Without the search feature, where will I find inspiration or access curated content like Staff Picks?
• Q: The filmmaking community is at the heart of the Vimeo experience, and Vimeo is committed to supporting European filmmakers. If you’re looking for short films, we recommend checking out the European Film Academy, which provides a new destination for European audiences to discover extraordinary films and filmmakers on its website, including some Vimeo Staff Picks content. This exciting collaboration builds upon both organizations’ shared mission to celebrate creators as they educate, entertain, and inspire audiences worldwide. This creates an opportunity to celebrate short films all year and will provide film enthusiasts access to an ever-evolving collection of exceptional content. Explore the collection here: Vimeo & European Film Awards. Vimeo has partnered with the European Film Academy to serve as the exclusive title sponsor of the European Short Film category at the European Film Awards, underscoring our dedication to supporting emerging talent and celebrating exceptional creativity within the European film community.

• Q: Will this impact the discoverability of my videos on Vimeo?
• A: Yes, your videos will no longer be discoverable through site-wide searches on Vimeo.com in the EU or UK or in Collections in the EU or UK. However:
  • You can still share direct links to your videos.
  • You can still embed your videos wherever you choose, including on other websites and social platforms.
  • Your videos will remain discoverable outside the EU/UK through a site-wide search.
  • You retain complete control over how you distribute your content.

• Q: Do you have any other resources for filmmakers in the EU/UK?
• A: Some of our favorite resources to get started with short film in Europe and the UK are here: ‘5 ways for filmmakers to get started with short film in Europe and the UK’.

Final thoughts

Well, Vimeo is dead as you see from these new terms. Although these are focused on European filmmakers, we believe they will also spread to other territories. Indeed, the last years were tough for Vimeo. Moreover, Vimeo stopped being filmmakers’ darling for online videos and transformed into a B2B platform, where businesses utilize it for their specific purposes. Let’s hope YouTube won’t go on the same path in a few more years…